United States Department of Agriculture - USDA/1890 National Scholars Program 2021 High School Application
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OMB No:0503-0015 United States Department of Agriculture USDA/1890 National Scholars Program 2021 High School Application USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 1|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 INTRODUCTION Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) 1890 National Scholars Program. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as part of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. The goal of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, and other related disciplines. The program is open to high school seniors, college freshmen and sophomores who exhibit exemplary leadership traits and demonstrated community service. The Scholarship is highly competitive and provides for full tuition payment, among other benefits, for up to 4-years to selected students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an 1890 Land-Grant University. The 1890 National Scholars Program partners with USDA agencies to provide scholars with professional and educational opportunities. A sponsoring USDA Agency Coordinator will be assigned to the scholar. However, the USDA Liaison will be the primary point of contact for the scholar. The USDA Sponsoring Agency will work closely with scholars to provide ongoing support and ensure the scholar is on track with degree requirements. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is implemented under the USDA Fellows Experience Program (FEP). Successful applicants will receive a temporary appointment to the USDA, not to exceed 4 years. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements and the end of the agreement period, the scholar is eligible for conversion to a career conditional appointment in service to USDA without further competition. The USDA/1890 National Scholar is required to: Reimburse the USDA Sponsoring Agency for costs of education (excluding the employee’s pay and allowances) incurred by the USDA sponsoring agency, if the scholar voluntarily separates from the service of the USDA sponsoring agency before the end of the period for which the scholar has agreed to continue in the service of the USDA. Consult with and obtain the approval of the USDA Liaison and Sponsoring USDA Agency prior to making any changes to their academic program. Unapproved changes may affect the Scholar’s continued participation in the program, such as scholar’s participation in study abroad programs, third party internships and leave of absence. The Scholar is expected to meet with the USDA Liaison and Agency Coordinator to go over degree classes and ongoing academic status. The Scholar must coordinate summer work experience through their work site manager. The Scholar must report to work site and have a record of their individual development plan. Again, thank you for your interest in the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program and best wishes in your pursuit of academic excellence! USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 2|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM OVERVIEW and AUTHORITIES The USDA/1890 National Program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. The program awards scholarships to students accepted to or attending one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or related academic discipline(s). The Land-Grant Universities are as follows: Alabama A&M University (Alabama) North Carolina A&T State University (North Carolina) Alcorn State University (Mississippi) Prairie View A&M University (Texas) Central State University (Ohio) South Carolina State University (South Carolina) Delaware State University (Delaware) Southern University (Louisiana) Florida A&M University (Florida) Tennessee State University (Tennessee) Fort Valley State University (Georgia) Tuskegee University (Alabama) Kentucky State University (Kentucky) University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Arkansas) Langston University (Oklahoma) University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Maryland) Lincoln University (Missouri) Virginia State University (Virginia) West Virginia State University (West Virginia) • Legislative Authority of the Second Morrill Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321-326 and 328); • National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-113, 1402, et seq7 U.S.C. §3101); • Office of Personnel Management, Training (5 C.F.R part 410); • Schedule A (r) federal Experience Authority (5 C.F.R. 213.312 ((r)); • Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR ACT), Title IX, Section 922 (7 U.S.C § 2279c); • Executive Order 13779, White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, signed February 18, 2017 continued by Executive Order 13811, signed September 29 September 2017. • Conversion to Career Conditional Appointment Farm Bill 2018 (5 CFR 213.3102) authority code “ZLM”. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 3|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 PURPOSE The purpose of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is: To strengthen the long-term partnership between USDA and the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. To promote increase and cooperation among the parties in all areas of mutual interest. To improve USDA’s outreach efforts within the communities served by 1890 Land-Grant Universities and USDA. To increase the number of students studying and pursuing careers in agriculture, food sciences, and natural resource sciences or other related disciplines. OBJECTIVE The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program offers scholarships to U.S. citizens who are seeking a bachelor’s degree at one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities in any of the fields of study within agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines. Examples of required fields of study or related disciplines are: • Agribusiness • Family and Consumer Sciences • Agriculture/Biological Regulatory Science • Farm and Range Management • Agricultural Production and Technology • Financial Management • Agronomy or Crop Sciences • Forestry and Related Sciences • Agricultural Economics • Horticulture • Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics • Natural Resources Management Sciences • Nutrition • Animal Sciences • Soil Conservation /Soil Science • Aquaculture/Fisheries • Water Resource Management • Biological System Engineering • Other Related Disciplines (e.g., pre- • Botany veterinary medicine, veterinary • Business Management technology, computer sciences, non- • Entomology medical biological sciences) AWARD Scholarships are awarded annually and must be used at one of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. Each award is renewable each year for the term of the scholarship and provides full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. The scholarship renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance, summer work performance and academic progress toward the bachelor’s degree. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 4|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 GENERAL ELIGIBILITY Applicant must: Be a U.S. citizen Intend to study agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines Have a high school cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) Have applied for admission to an 1890 Land-Grant University. Demonstrate leadership and community service INSTRUCTIONS Only completed application packages submitted by the deadline will be considered. All application materials must be submitted in one application package. Complete application packages must include the following: Signed and dated application including signature of parent of guardian, if the applicant is under the age of 18, a Completed Privacy Act Advisory Statement and Release Form (no copies – only original signatures will be accepted) Completed Biographical Questionnaire High School Counselor’s Assessment Report in a sealed envelope High School Teacher’s Assessment Report in a sealed envelope Submit the most recent official transcript with the school seal and/or the signature of an authorized school official Submit a 500-800-word essay on one (1) of the following topics. o My interest in working for USDA. o How I envision the scholarship will impact me personally and my future as a public servant. o My experiences and perceptions about agriculture, food sciences and natural resource sciences or other related disciplines as related to agriculture. Submit an original signed and dated application Applicants are responsible for obtaining the Assessment Reports from the High School Counselor and the High School Teacher. These Assessment Reports should be in a sealed USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 5|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 envelope and included with the application package. All application materials must have original signatures and seals/stamps. Application materials containing photocopied signatures and transcripts will not be considered for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship. APPLICATION DEADLINE: All application materials must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2021 and sent to the USDA Liaison at the university or universities selected by the applicant. SELECTION PROCESS If selected, the student will be contacted by the sponsoring Agency Coordinator. The applicant will be given an opportunity to ask questions related to the agency, job, and program expectations. Selected applicants should contact their USDA Liaison and Agency Coordinator with any unanswered questions or concerns related to the agency, summer experience, or academic requirements. Applications Must Be Postmarked by January 31, 2021. Note: The application may also be printed out and filled in by hand in black or blue ink only. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 6|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 PRIVACY ACT ADVISORY STATEMENT The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with this request for information. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements for this Act, please be advised: 1. Furnishing the information requested is voluntary. 2. The data will be used for selection of 1890 National Program, printing certificates, and related activities. 3. The data is maintained in a privacy act system as defined by National Archives and Records Administration under OMB. 4. Failure to complete this form will mean you cannot be included among those candidates being considered for designation as a USDA/1890 National Scholar. I, understand that I am a candidate for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, have read the Privacy Act Advisory Statement, and affirm my wish to be considered. In the event I am selected as a Scholar, permission is hereby given for the release of materials submitted by me for the use of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 1890 Land- Grant Universities as deemed appropriate for purposes of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. I further consent to the release of photographs that may be taken of me, by or for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I am (check one) willing unwilling to appear on radio and/or television if such arrangements are made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Print Name Signature Date Note: Original signatures only. Photocopies will not be accepted. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 7|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 Candidate’s Biographical Questionnaire (Please Print) The following questions are designed to collect information about your background, your interests, and your plans. Your answers to these questions will be used only in connection with your application for this scholarship program and will be divulged only to qualified persons who must see them during their duties. A. Biographical Information Legal Name Last Name First Name M.I. Sex: Male Female Permanent Address City State Zip Code U.S. Citizen Yes No Telephone (Home) Telephone (Cell) Email Address B. Education Name of Current High School Address City State Zip Code Telephone GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale) _________________________________ Note: Grade point averages and standardized test scores should match supporting documentation submitted by counselor. Do not apply if you do not meet these criteria. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 8|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 1. List any other schools that you attended in the last 4 years. List the schools in order of attendance, with the one you attended most recently listed first. Name of school Location (City & State) Dates of Attendance 2. List any advanced or special program, courses, or summer courses you have taken. List the most recent course or program first. Course or Name of Address Dates of Hours per Week Program School Attendance 3. Name(s) of the 1890 University (or Universities) to which you are applying, in order of preference (i.e. 1 =Most Preferred, 3=Least Preferred): 1. 2. 3. Note: Applicants applying to more than one 1890 Land-Grant University must submit separate 1890 National Program applications for each university. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 9|Page
OMB No:0503-0015 4. What course of study (major) will you pursue? 1st Choice 2nd Choice Other Related Discipline/Unlisted Major (Please Identify): Note: All academic disciplines may not be available at every 1890 Land-Grant University. Check the University’s academic offerings before applying. 5. Have you made career decisions related to agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences or related disciplines? Yes No If yes, please explain below: USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 10 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 C. Activities 1. List extracurricular activities in which you have participated in school or in the community (i.e. academic activities such as 4-H, FFA, debate, sports, music, art, etc.). Activity Dates of Office(s) Held Special Award(s) Participation 2. List volunteer and paid positions you have held in the past 4 years (including summer employment). Volunteer or Employer/Organization Date of Service Hours Special Award(s) Paid Positions or Employment per Week USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 11 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 D. Candidates Self-Assessment 1. Please list your hobbies and how each plays a role in your personal development. 2. Describe activities in which you had a leadership role in your school or in your community. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 12 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 3. Describe a recent experience that has given you a sense of satisfaction or pride. 4. Briefly discuss why have you chosen to study agricultural, or a related discipline. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 13 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 Review this form to make sure you have answered all questions completely. Proofread your responses. I certify that I have completed this application and that all statements are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that a false statement could eliminate me from consideration for this scholarship. Print your Legal Name: Applicant’s Signature: Date Signed: Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: Print Name (Parent or Legal Guardian): Note: If the applicant is a child, under the age of 18, parental or legal guardian signature is required. Parent or Legal Guardian Signature: Date Signed: Note: This form and all other application materials must be postmarked by January 31, 2021. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 14 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 How did you hear about the 1890 National Scholars Program Scholarship? (Select all that apply.) College Fair(s): Name of Event(s): Informational Session: Location: Public Service Announcement: Stations: Direct Mail/E-mail: Source of Communication: USDA Employee: Name of Employee(s): Church or Place of Worship: Name of Facility: Website(s): Name of Website(s): Social Media: Name of Site/App(s): USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 15 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP Applicant’s Authorization to Release Academic Information (for Counselor) Applicant’s Full Name Last First Middle Suffix To comply with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, a school must obtain signed authorization before it can release student information for use in this scholarship program. Permission is hereby given to school officials to release record and other requested information for consideration in the scholarship program named above. Note: If the applicant is a minor child, under the age of 18; parental or legal guardian signature is required. Student’s Signature Date Parent or Legal Guardian Signature Date Applicant: If you have attended this school less than 2 years, you must copy this form and have your previous school also complete this form for you. School Name Address City State Zip Code Phone Number USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 16 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 USDA/1890 National Scholars Program Scholarship Secondary School Report High School Guidance Counselor Assessment Report A. Please type or print using black ink Name of Counselor _______________________ _________________ ______ _____ Last First MI Suffix Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________ B. Are you confident that the student will receive a high school diploma during the current academic year? Yes No If your answer is no, please explain your reason using a separate page C. Student’s class rank ___________________ How many students are in the class? ________________ D. Student’s cumulative grade point average (unweighted on 4.0 scale) __________ Do not enter GPA on a scale of 0-100. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 17 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 E. Secondary School Record The applicant’s official secondary school transcript (with seal and signature by an authorized official), including grades 9 through 12 must be attached to this section of the application. If the official transcript is not provided, the applicant will not be considered for the scholarship. Note: If the applicant is enrolled in official college courses (i.e. dual degree), please submit an official transcript from the college as well. Counselor’s Signature __________________________________________ Date ________________________________________________________ This form and the candidate’s transcript must be included in the student’s application package. Applicants applying to more than one 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant University must submit separate USDA/1890 National Scholars application packages for each school. The complete application packages must be postmarked by January 31, 2021. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 18 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 USDA/1890 National Scholar Program Secondary School Report School Teacher Assessment Report The application for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship requires a carefully considered character and ability assessment by a teacher who knows the student well, including a summary of other teachers’ judgments of the student. Applicant’s Full Name Last First Middle Suffix A. Name of Teacher Last Name First Name Middle Name Suffix Address Phone Number B. Length of Relationship C. Considering this student’s interests, work habits, and life goals, what is your assessment as to whether the student will be motivated to take advantage of the opportunities available in college? Please give reasons for your assessment. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 19 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 D. What special features are a part of your school’s curriculum (e.g., AP and honors courses, college study, and independent study)? Has the student taken advantage of the most challenging opportunities your school has to offer? E. Has the student shown exceptional talent or originality in agriculture, food sciences, natural resource sciences, and/or other related disciplines? Yes No Please explain in this section: Strengthens: Weaknesses: USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 20 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 F. Sometimes, special circumstances should be considered when evaluating a student’s achievement records and test scores. If in your opinion, this student may have been disadvantaged by any such circumstances, please specify. *Additional pages may be attached if needed. * G. Indicate comments made by teachers about the student relative to the following: 1. Participation in discussion: Always involved, often initiates discussion Occasionally participates Seldom participates Not applicable 2. Involvement in classroom activities: Active, usually shows genuine interest Mild, politely attentive Unenergetic Seldom participates 3. Pursuit of independent study: Considerable study and major project(s) Some study and minor project(s) No evidence of independent study Not applicable 4. Evenness of performance: Even, varies no more than one mark Slightly uneven Uneven, often caries two marks Erratic fluctuates greatly Inadequate opportunity to observe 5. Critical and questioning attitude: Often challenges Occasionally probes Rarely questions Not applicable USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 21 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 6. Depth of understanding: Excellent insight Good understanding Some insight Little understanding Not applicable 7. Personal responsibility: Always accepts fully Usually accepts fully Sometimes refuses Often refuses 8. Consideration for others: Always considerate of others’ rights and feelings Usually considerate Sometimes inconsiderate Often inconsiderate 9. Population of the community in which your school is located: Less than 500 500 – 1,500 1,500 – 5,000 5,000 – 25,000 25,000 – 100,000 Over 100,000 10. What economic or social conditions characterize the community and most of the parents of the children in your school? Rural farming area Industrial Small Large city, Metropolitan area Other Teacher’s Signature Date This form and the candidate’s transcript must be included in the student’s application package. Applicants applying to more than one 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant University must submit separate USDA/1890 National Scholars application packages for each university. The complete application packages must be postmarked by January 31, 2021. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 22 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 USDA/1890 National Application Checklist I have read the eligibility requirements and meet all eligibility criteria. I have applied to each 1890 Land-Grant Institution of interest. I am submitting an original application and transcript to each 1890 Land-Grant Institution of interest (see addresses on pages 24-25 of this application). I completed the Candidate’s Biographical Information section. I have included and signed the Secondary School Report from my high school counselor and explained the need to have all official transcripts with a seal. I have included the signed School Teacher Assessment. I have signed and dated the application (original signature only). If under the age of 18 years old, parents or guardians have signed my application. I have enclosed the 500-800-word essay. I understand that the full application package must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2021, for consideration for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 23 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 1890 Land-Grant Universities Liaison Directory Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Alabama A&M University Fort Valley State University Post Office Box 1087 1005 State University Drive Normal, AL 35762 Pettigrew Center, Room 244 (202) 570-3926 Fort Valley, GA 31030 (202) 253-4218 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Alcorn State University Kentucky State University 1000 ASU Drive, Room 1139 Cooperative Extension Facility 104 Agriculture Science Building 400 East Main Street, Room 221 Lorman, MS 39096 Frankfort, KY 40601 (202) 596-0478 (202) 570-5202 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Central State University 1400 Langston University Brush Row Road School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences McLin Building, Room 210 100 Success Drive, Room V 115 Wilberforce, OH 45384 Langston, OK 73050 (202) 596-0140 (202) 263-9209 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Delaware State University Lincoln University CARS Ag Annex, Room 108F 818 Lee Drive; 108 Bennett Hall Dover, DE 1991 Jefferson City, MO 65101 (202) 308-7687 (202) 264-0736 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Florida A&M University North Carolina A&T University 1740 South Martin L. King Jr., Boulevard 1601 East Market Street Room 217, S. Perry-Paige Building 107 B.C. Webb Hall Tallahassee, FL 32307-4100 Greensboro, NC 27411 (202) 510-6301 (202) 281-8214 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 24 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 1890 Land-Grant Universities Liaison Directory Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Prairie View A&M University Tuskegee University P. O. Box 2736 College of Agriculture, Environmental Prairie View, TX 77446 and Nutritional Sciences (202) 302-4712 Campbell Hall Room 103 Tuskegee, AL 36088 (202) 306-9884 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison South Carolina State University Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison 300 College Avenue, N.E. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff P.O. Box 7246 1200 North University Drive Orangeburg, SC 29117 Mail Slot: 4806 (202) 596-4442 Pine Bluff, AR 71611-2799 (202) 306-9810 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Southern University and A&M College University of Maryland Eastern Shore Fisher Hall, Room 102 One Backbone Road Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Hazel Hall, Room 3002 (202) 302-7255 Princess Anne, MD 21853 (202) 306-7368 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison Tennessee State University Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Virginia State University Ag Science Dept., Room 20 P.O. Box 9081; 1 Hayden Drive P.O. Box 9629 L. Douglas Wilder Building, Room 202C Nashville, TN 37209-1561 Petersburg, VA 23806 (202) 596-0226 (202) 596-0301 Attn: USDA/1890 Program Liaison West Virginia State University 100 Curtis House P .0. Box 1000 Institute, WV 25112-1000 (202) 596-4605 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 25 | P a g e
OMB No:0503-0015 For questions related to this application, please contact: The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement - USDA/1890 Program 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Stop 0601 Washington, D.C. 20250 Telephone Number: (202) 720-6350 Fax Number: (202) 720-7136 According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0503-0015. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 2.6 to 3 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and martial or family status (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA‘s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, contact the USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 300 7th Street S.W., Suite 521, Washington, D.C. 20024 or call (202) 401-0005 or (800) 795- 3272. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer 26 | P a g e
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